Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Description

Entrepreneurship refers to the process of developing new business ventures, or growing existing ones. Central to this activity are entrepreneurs: innovative and risk-taking individuals who seek to bring about change and new opportunities, both for themselves and for the business communities in which they operate. Such persons play a vital important role in commerce, trade, and economic growth in many nations, through the practice of innovation.

The course provides a framework for understanding the process of creating and managing innovative organisations. This involves examining methods of analysing new venture opportunities and ideas; approaches to assessing and acquiring resources; strategies for acquiring existing businesses; as well as developing knowledge and competency in meeting the unique challenges of managing and marketing a growing organisation.

A significant focus of the course is a key element of entrepreneurship, innovation. Innovation is an important prerequisite for gaining a competitive advantage and for building a strong and sustainable business. . Modern thriving enterprises demand constant levels of innovation. The scope and richness of theoretical developments in the discipline of innovation, offers potential for students to develop substantial skills in understanding the discipline, its role in entrepreneurship and in the development of successful, contemporary organisations. This will enable students to deal successfully with dynamic demands from markets and customers that are becoming even more sophisticated and knowledgeable

Availability

WebLearn GradSchool

Trimester 2 - 2015

Newcastle City Precinct

Trimester 3 - 2015

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically discuss and analyse the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation.

2. Demonstrate an ability to engage in entrepreneurial and innovation processes.

3. Create, analyse and critically evaluate new business models.

4. Propose how to create a well-structured and concise innovation plan.

Content

The topics in the this course include:

Definitions and evolution of entrepreneurship and innovation

Role of innovation in entrepreneurship and organisational development

Innovation as a capability/ core competence

Understanding entrepreneurial and innovative individuals

Role of innovation in new growth firm creation (independent entrepreneurship)

Role of innovation in established enterprise development (corporate entrepreneurship)